Rectal Prolapse

Rectal prolapse is what happens when part of the rectum slips past the digestive tract’s muscular opening (the anus). This can also cause faecal incontinence and will require surgery to correct, especially in patients that have chronic symptoms.

Some patients may struggle to push the rectum back in place, while other will experience a leakage of stools or the inability to properly control bowel movements. These problems are more common in elderly women; for children suffering from rectal prolapse, some alternative treatments are available to treat the underlying condition.

Rectal prolapse repair surgery has become increasingly popular. The goal of this surgery is to attach the rectum to the backside of the inner pelvis and this surgery is done by either going through the perineum or abdomen. Surgery in younger people is often done via the rectum, while surgery in older people is usually done via the perineum. Other options are also available for people who are too weak for surgery.

If you have a history of long-term diarrhoea or constipation should seek medical attention to treat these conditions to avoid suffering from rectal prolapse.

As a specialist gastroenterologist, Dr Michael Elliot specialises in rectal prolapse and can advise a variety of treatment options to patients. Based in Claremont, Dr Elliot performs all of his surgery at the Life Kingsbury Hospital Claremont.